Direct Line 2010: Candidates speak to the voters #8

This year's election has attracted more candidates than Massachusetts has seen in a long time. We believe each of them deserves the chance to speak directly to the voters about whatever issues they want to put on the table. Each Sunday, we're offering candidates on the ballot in contested races space for a brief statement of their choosing.

This year's election has attracted more candidates than Massachusetts has seen in a long time. We believe each of them deserves the chance to speak directly to the voters about whatever issues they want to put on the table. Each Sunday, we're offering candidates on the ballot in contested races space for a brief statement of their choosing

.Mary Z. Connaughton

Republican for State Auditor

While money can't buy you love, it can go a long way to have clout over elected officials.

That is why I am not accepting campaign contributions from special interest groups, namely political action committees (PACs) that promote a particular issue.

This category of contributions simply should not be sought after in the race for state auditor, since it compromises the independence of the office demanded by the citizens of Massachusetts.

As a candidate for state auditor, I pledge to be independent and act in the public's best interest - that started day one of my campaign. To be the people's eyes and voice on Beacon Hill, the public have faith in my ability to remain independent and working for their interests, not special interests.

Suzanne Bump

Democrat for State Auditor

As state auditor, I will be a leader who fixes agencies that have gone off track and who gets better results for taxpayers, the business community, and all of us who rely on government services. One of my priorities will be to analyze the taxpayers benefits of the many business tax incentives.

Tax incentives exist for many reasons, such as encouraging job creation or promoting clean energy. Many of the incentives have been in place for years but have never been examined to determine whether they produce the intended benefits.

The state auditor must be a leader who can make change in state government. I have reformed government systems, and I've been a leader in both the public and private sectors. As state auditor I will use the tools of the office to make your tax dollars count and give you the reforms that will make government work better.

Jim McGovern

Democrat for Congress

3rd District

I have always believed that we need to stand up for the quality of life of older Americans. That's why I was honored this week to pick up the endorsement of the Alliance for Retired Americans.

I also believe that one of the best ways we can respect our seniors is to keep our Medicare program strong; that's why I voted to close the prescription drug Part D doughnut hole.

Page 2 of 7 - Medicare today is stronger than it was before. According to the Trustees of Medicare, the program's outlook has "improved substantially," and will be solvent for many years longer, because of Congressional action. AARP has said that seniors' access to care has been protected, while the overall financial status of the program has improved.

I will continue to fight for protecting seniors, including Social Security without privatization, Medicare, affordable prescription drugs and quality long-term care.

Gerry Dembrowski

Republican for Congress

7th District

Its time to get America back on track!

The Middle Class in America continues to collapse. Poverty is increasing. 18 percent of Americans are unemployed, underemployed or have giving up looking for work. This is a very serious situation!

Americans are tired of political rhetoric they want results. We cannot afford to have the same failed policies and expect different outcome.

According to Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton our national debt is a National Security problem and Fed. Chair Bernanke says we cannot afford to continue to spend nor can a fragile economy support more tax increases.

We need a moratorium on any tax increase, wasteful earmarks and give the president a line-item veto. We need to work to balance our budget and reduce our debt. Most importantly, we need a congressman who will stand up and fight for the little guy and not special interests and lobbyist.

Ed Markey

Democrat for Congress

7th District

In China today, there are massive factories that have hundreds of wind turbines lined up ready to be exported around the world. And, to me, these wind turbines are missiles pointed directly at the U.S. economy. China is now first in solar manufacturing and first in wind turbine manufacturing. We cannot cede global leadership in this industry to China, especially when they are willing to manipulate their currency, harm American manufacturing jobs and sell their goods here at artificially low prices. That is why I wrote the Waxman-Markey energy bill to reduce dependence on foreign oil, cut the pollution that causes global warming, and create millions of green energy jobs in America that will allow us to compete with China as the leader in the global economy. If we are going to capture the jobs of the global innovation economy, we need a stamp on those turbines that say "Made In America."

Jamie Eldridge

Democrat for State Senate

Middlesex & Worcester District

Traveling across the district, meeting voters door-to-door and at local events, I understand that voters are anxious about the economy. A strong, diverse and vibrant economy that creates a variety of jobs has always been a top priority of mine as a legislator.

Page 3 of 7 - A critical component of economic development is making sure our infrastructure is maintained and improved to meet the needs of businesses located here. I have worked to secure over $100 million for improvements to the Fitchburg and Worcester commuter rail lines to shorten commutes to and from Boston. I also fought for stimulus money for water treatment plants in Westborough, Marlborough, and Maynard. Many businesses, especially biotech and green tech firms, require a reliable and clean water supply to manufacture their products. I am committed to making sure the state invests in MetroWest to attract more jobs to our communities.

Ed McGrath

Republican for State Senate

2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District

Those running state government would rather label those trying to deal with the problem of illegal immigration than deal with the problem. Calling those who disagree with you names does not solve problems. Repeated efforts by those in charge of state government to grant in-state tuition and driver's licenses to those in the country illegally generate a legitimate controversy. If those supporting these measures insist on bringing them forward, we should have a rational, civil debate and stop the name-calling.

If elected to the state Senate, I will oppose in-state tuition and drivers licenses for illegal aliens. I will support punishing employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens and requiring every one applying for non-emergency state assistance to prove that they are in the country legally.

Karen Spilka

Democrat for State Senate

2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District

As the owner of a family business, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the engine of job growth in MetroWest. That's why I've fought tirelessly as your senator to lower the corporate tax rate in our state, making our businesses more competitive. I've also continued the Senate's work on health care payment reform and cost control so business owners can hire more workers instead of paying higher premiums.

It's also why I authored a bill to create The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, which helps small businesses gain access to working capital, allowing growth even in times of tight credit.

Economists may have pronounced the recession over, but the recovery won't reach Main Street until we can get small businesses in MetroWest growing and hiring. That is why I've worked so hard to help our small businesses put out the "help wanted" sign again.

Kate Hogan

Democrat for State Rep

3rd Middlesex District

As we continue grappling with the consequences of the economic downturn, an understanding of the job creation role played by small business has emerged as a focus of legislative interest. During the last legislative session, we attempted to leverage this understanding to enact a variety of laws aimed at providing support for this critical sector of the economy.

Page 4 of 7 - From allowing restaurants to serve alcohol at Sunday brunch, to the establishment of a Growth Capital Corporation to provide small businesses with capital opportunities, loan guarantees and grants, we passed a number of laws focused on encouraging new business start-ups and the expansion of existing small businesses.

Small business will fuel the economic engine that will drive us into the 21st Century and toward a new prosperity. I will continue to work in the legislature to stimulate growth in this sector and thus in the larger economy itself.

Danielle Gregoire

Democrat for State Rep

4th Middlesex District

My vote to raise the sales tax by a little more than one penny was done with the intention of keeping teachers in our schools, firefighters on the job and police on the street.

We must do a better job of striking a balance between the wants of government and the needs of society. My vote to raise the sales tax by one penny was not an easy decision, but it is as far as I am willing to go. I voted against my first state budget because I believed it contained too many new taxes. While I fight to preserve essential services, I understand that households are struggling to stay above water, and that's why I will continue to hold the line on taxes. Although I appreciate the desire to cut spending, shortsighted slash and burn tactics typically end with higher human and financial costs.

Steven Levy

Republican for State Rep

4th Middlesex District

Beacon Hill demonstrated once again this week what is wrong with our state government. While in informal session when no controversial matters are allowed, Democratic leadership rammed through a supplemental spending bill in excess of $400 million without debate. It wasn't the spending alone that was the problem, but the 134 outside sections that enacted legislation unrelated to the spending. Many of these sections addressed special interests and legislation that did not succeed during formal sessions. This is not how our government should operate.

The only person who stood in opposition was Rep. Karyn Polito who defied even Republican leadership, and I commend her for her valiant attempt to force debate on these measures. I wish more legislators had stood with her in demanding open discussion on the merits of each proposal. I respect Ms. Polito's independent leadership and hope to emulate her commitment to the people of Massachusetts if elected Representative in November.

Chris Walsh

Democrat for State Rep

6th Middlesex District

Framingham has affordable housing. If you don't believe it ride down Kendall, Beaver and Second streets, walk the well-maintained Muster Field complex or notice the apartments along Rte. 9.

Page 5 of 7 - Chapter 40B, the affordable housing law is flawed. It creates a backdoor for well-connected developers to build projects without consulting neighbors; sidestepping zoning laws that protect the community. Many existing units aren't credited "affordable" even though they are and worse; units revert to "regular cost apartments" in a few years, so a community must allow more units just to keep even. Supporters admit that 40B has flaws but have consistently failed to change it - there is just too much money and vested interests in keeping a "sure thing" going. The only realistic option is to repeal 40B (yes on Question 2) and come back with a thoughtful, fair, workable and longterm solution to housing that doesn't penalize homeowners and neighborhoods.

Jim Pillsbury

Independent for State Rep

6th Middlesex District

It's been a long time since voters had a real choice in who would be representing their views at the State House. As the challenger, I seek to convince the casual voter that I will represent only them on Beacon Hill. Never take a dime from any union, committee or lobbyists and run one term. I commit to help Framingham in any way possible. I will not support any mandates of any kind, funded or not, I'll work immediately on lessening the burden to clerks and committees. Voters want accountability from their legislature, as we must be to our employers. Rid our selves of deception, fraud and patronage, reminding ourselves of three House speakers and three senators are from the same party. Voters, break the addiction (of voting for a "D syndrome"), with a non toxic remedy, a true public servant in myself who respects the voters wishes. Google me

Jim Rizoli

Independent for State Rep

6th Middlesex District

Here are two things that I would try to do if elected, to get the town back on track.

1. Revamp the ESL program that teaches immigrants English. As it is now, 79 percent of people enrolled are Brazilian and 80 percent of them are illegal. Stop the lottery system and take only legal immigrants first who want to learn English, and then open it up to others after the legal quota is filled.

2. When businesses come to the Selectmen for licenses ask them if they and their workers are here legally. If a business is later found hiring illegals fine them and take away their license.

If we just implement these two safeguards, our town will start to recover. We cannot continue to allow illegal activity in our town, it will never be open to any type of revitalization if we do so.

Tom Sannicandro

Democrat for State Rep

Page 6 of 7 - 7th Middlesex District

Every child in our community deserves a quality education and a chance to succeed. That’s why I’ve fought to reform our special education system.

As Representative, I’ve become a recognized statewide leader on special education issues. I’ve pushed for improvements to the way school districts plan curriculums for special education students. And I’ve created a first-in-the-nation program that gives students with intellectual disabilities a chance at a career and independent life by allowing them to enroll in community college courses.

I’ve also lead in the charge to tackle the costs of special education for cities and towns. By restoring funds to the Special Education Circuit Breaker, towns and cities like Framingham and Ashland will receive millions of dollars in financial relief each year.

I will continue to fight to make sure every child, regardless of ability, has access to a comprehensive education. Check out TomWorksForUs.com for more information.

David Mercer

Republican for State Rep

7th Middlesex District

We need to be aware of the impact of the people who are living in our state illegally. These people have deliberately bypassed the lawful process for entry to our area. They have an effect on our schools, law enforcement and health care resources. Our current legislature has advocated for granting state benefits to illegal aliens such as in state tuition and state drivers licenses. Our current state representative has voted in favor of driver licenses for illegal aliens. This is unjustifiable at any time.

Our state resources and credentials should go to people having legal residency in good standing. There are plenty of hard working Massachusetts people abiding by the rules. We ought to offer support for them. Many capable young people want to advance their educations and improve their future. Investing in these individuals also improves the whole community.

Jonathan Loya

Independent for State Rep

8th Middlesex District

Creating jobs not only in MetroWest but also the entire Commonwealth should be our main focus right now on Beacon Hill. There is this portrayal of the Massachusetts unemployment picture as one of the states that is better off than most of the rest of the country when people talk about the issue. In reality, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as of August 2010 Massachusetts has the 24th highest unemployment rate out of all 50 states across the country. I don't know about politicians on Beacon Hill, but I am not going to settle for "middle of the road" when it comes to unemployment figures. Does that seem like we are doing a good job here? If I am to be elected as your next state representative, I promise to help improve this mediocre job picture so that this great state can get back on track again.

Page 7 of 7 - Carolyn Dykema

Democrat for State Rep

8th Middlesex District

In Massachusetts we value quality of life. We invest in open space, culture, historic preservation. A recent survey confirms that quality of life is why many call Massachusetts home.

We also need to ensure a high quality of life for our senior citizens. Our seniors need more access to transportation, healthcare and prescriptions that are affordable on a fixed income, and programs that will allow them to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

I'm always mindful of how difficult local property tax increases are for our seniors. For this reason I can't, right now, support a rollback of the recent sales tax increase. Such a rollback would shift more of the burden of paying for services to our towns, and increase pressure on local property taxes which are especially difficult for our seniors.

As your legislator, the needs of our seniors will always be top of mind.

Jennifer Callahan

Democrat for State Rep

18th Worcester District

Voters are bombarded with gimmicks and slogans during election years, but they are savvy enough to see through the smoke, mirrors and recycled campaign ads to get to the truth.

Like working families across my District trying to make ends meet, I too am a taxpayer and a homeowner paying a mortgage. Like my constituents, I work hard at my job, pay monthly bills and balance my checkbook to live within my means. On Beacon Hill, I am proud of my independent voting record. I have a record of voting for working families by pushing for budget transparency and government accountability to show how the State spends our money. I have opposed tax increases and subsidies and called for performance improvement measures to save our tax dollars.

My professional career and independent legislative experience sets me apart as a Representative with a proven track record. For more information visit: www.repcallahan.com.